Artwork and QR code for The Case of the Lost Legacy Keys
Words by Chivenor Primary School
Chivenor School pupils have officially launched a brand-new, interactive digital treasure hunt app designed to turn their area’s rich local heritage into an engaging summer holiday activity for local families.
The app features a specially mapped one-hour walking route that allows users to learn about the neighbourhood’s rich history.
To create this unique trail, children from the Pupil Parliament embarked on a community walk to pinpoint key historical locations. They then devised a clever series of interactive questions and trivia challenges that participants must successfully answer as they complete the outdoor hunt.
School reception and entrace to Chivenor Primary School / Image supplied by Chivenor Primary School
This innovative digital trail marks the exciting culmination of a deep heritage project. Enthusiastic students spent months thoroughly researching the vibrant evolution of Castle Vale, successfully tracing its ancient roots all the way back to Saxon times.
The young researchers also conducted several insightful interviews with long-term community members, capturing valuable and vivid personal stories from the past about the estate’s dramatic regeneration period during the 1990s.
Organisers shared that the project aims to give residents an entertaining and highly educational way to explore their surroundings over the school break.
While the initiative directly stems from the school’s ongoing anniversary celebrations, the primary focus always remains on providing a lasting, free resource for everyone to enjoy.
Local people can easily join the adventure by scanning a simple QR code, which instantly launches the application.
School leaders noted that the dedicated pupils are incredibly proud to see local families discover the wonderful hidden stories of beautiful Castle Vale today.
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
We don’t usually think of youth clubs as being family affairs, but that’s exactly how Castle Vale’s YoungStars began. “It was started by me and my parents,” explains founder and director Luke McLean.
“It was meant to be a one-night show at St Cuthbert’s Church – young people showing their talents, be it singing or playing an instrument – but all the other parents wanted it to continue.”
That was way back in 2004, when Luke was just 14. Today, he’s in charge, leading a dedicated team that meets a lot of different needs. As he puts it, “It’s gone from being just shows, to being a youth club, to being more about youth services.”
Celebrating Easter at YoungStars / Photograph supplied by YoungStars
YoungStars became a community interest company (CIC) in 2019. “We’re still volunteers; we’ve all got other jobs; but we’ve been able to grow a lot since becoming a CIC,” Luke says. “We’ve got a lot more structure, and we’re able to apply for more pots of funding rather than just relying on donations.”
Part of this growth was finding a permanent home. Luke laughs, “We’ve been based in every building on the Vale you can think of!”, but when the old public library on the High Street was closed YoungStars were able to secure the space for themselves – helping them to expand their remit even further.
Regular events include a wellbeing group for those aged 16 and over on Tuesday evenings (6-8.30pm), where young adults can have a cup of tea and a chat with YoungStars’ Rachel and Adam about whatever’s on their minds (under-18s must be accompanied by a parent) – and there’s a youth club for 5-16-year-olds every Wednesday and Friday evening (also 6-8.30pm).
YoungStars 20 year anniversary celebration / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Friday’s events are run by volunteer Lauren. “She’s come all the way with us,” Luke tells me. “She started coming to the youth club when she was seven. She’ll be 22 this year, and as well as volunteering, she’s on our management Board.”
YoungStars also cater for adults with a ‘nourish and natter’ soup kitchen on Thursdays (5-6.30pm) and a community kitchen selling breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, between 9am and midday.
Activities at YoungStars Community Hub on Castle Vale / Photograph supplied by YoungStars
However, Castle Vale’s young people remain the focus of YoungStars and Luke is particularly excited that the group has received funding from the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to fund 90 free places for children during the six week school holidays.
“That means all their food and activities are paid for, including swimming and trips to the seaside,” Luke explains, adding that (at the time of writing) there are still places available. To qualify, children have to be receiving free school meals.
YoungStars founder Luke McLean at VE Day celebratoin event in YoungStars’ Castle Vale / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
“We’ve been very lucky,” Luke reckons when talking about the HAF funding. But given his and the group’s longstanding devotion to help Castle Vale’s youth (and their parents), it feels more like sound judgement. From humble beginnings, YoungStars has become a crucial part of Castle Vale’s youth provision.
To find out more about YoungStars’ activities or remaining summer holiday places, visit www.facebook.com/youngstarshub or contact Luke or Lauren on 0121 661 7879.
If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email: community@erdingtonlocal.com
Chivenor Primary School 60 year anniversary event / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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Words by Chivenor Primary School
Chivenor School officially marked its 60th anniversary year with a vibrant Heritage Evening, bringing together generations of students, staff, and community leaders to honour six decades of local education.
Co-Heads of School Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett opened the evening by reflecting on Chivenor’s unique beginnings in 1965. Originally designated as ‘School Number 1’ under founding headteacher Mrs Wise, the institution famously had no pupils when it opened. However, growth was rapid; by 1967, enrolment soared past 1,000 children, prompting the opening of a second school on the Vale.
The celebration seamlessly blended past and present, highlighting the revival of beloved traditions like balancing a sweet tin on children’s heads for their birthday.
Recognition was a central theme, with certificates awarded to the Head Boys and Girls, Pupil Parliament members, and dedicated ‘Heritage Heroes’ who championed the history project.
Attendees, including current and former staff, alumni, and community representatives, enjoyed uplifting performances from the school choir and the St. John’s Ambulance Brass Band who had the children dancing in the aisles.
Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett shared that the event aimed to honour Mrs Wise’s 1965 vision for Chivenor. A newspaper article stated that she wanted Chivenor to be “A place of happiness where children grow in body, mind, and spirit”.
Sixty years later, the joint heads noted that these core values remain alive through the school’s modern pillars of High Achievement, Wide Horizons, and Proud Traditions and they hoped these values would remain strong in 60 years time.
PICTURE GALLERY: Chivenor Primary School’s 60 year anniversary event / Photographs by Tracy Fisher
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin
There is much to discuss this month, and I know many residents share my concerns about the rise in crime and anti-social behaviour across Castle Vale. In particular, the increasing number of illegal e-bikes and off-road bikes being ridden around the estate is causing real concern.
These vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians and other road users and, sadly, a young man has recently been injured. My thoughts are with him and his family, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.
Residents are rightly worried about the impact this behaviour is having on our community. No one should feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood, and we all have a responsibility to ensure Castle Vale remains a safe and welcoming place to live.
West Midlands Police must do more to address the issue, and I will be holding a Crime and Community Safety meeting to seek answers and discuss what further action can be taken.
It is important that residents’ voices are heard, and I will continue to press for stronger action and support measures where they are needed.
On a more positive note, it is great to see that all of the parks across the estate have now been completed. These improvements provide welcoming spaces for families, children and residents of all ages to enjoy.
Access to quality green spaces plays an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyles and bringing communities together.
Paulette Hamilton MP on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
I have lived in our area for nearly 40 years. I raised my children here. This is not just the constituency I represent; it is my home. So when our community is threatened, I fight back with everything I have.
Over the years, residents have rightly raised concerns about the spread of HMOs. That is why I have made it my mission to stand with you and challenge inappropriate developments.
My record speaks for itself. Time and again, we have stopped HMO applications across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott, including a recent victory in Castle Vale.
Now, new HMO proposals are becoming increasingly rare. That is down to all of us. Residents who refuse to stay silent and an MP who refuses to back down.
But I am increasingly concerned about the growing influx of exempt accommodation, which is often being used as a Plan B when an HMO application has been refused. Landlords can lease properties to supported accommodation providers, who can then house a range of unrelated occupants, including people released from prison, without being subject to the same planning controls.
I have therefore written to the Housing Minister demanding an urgent update on plans to close this gap. I have also met with a fellow Birmingham MP to build a cross city alliance to tackle poorly managed exempt accommodation head on.
Too often, when one loophole is closed, another opens. But I want residents to know that I am watching this issue very closely.
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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Claire Almond, Teaching Assistant at Chivenor Primary School, at the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon 2026 / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Usually found guiding the youngest learners at Chivenor Primary School, teaching assistant Claire Almond demonstrated a powerful lesson in perseverance by completing a half marathon on Sunday, 10 May.
Almond tackled the gruelling 21-kilometre Leeds Marathon course to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research, a cause close to her heart.
The challenging route began and ended at Headingley Stadium, the hallowed home ground of the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow. For Almond, a dedicated women’s rugby player, Burrow’s courageous battle with the neurodegenerative condition served as a profound inspiration.
Runners running in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2023 / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images
After witnessing the impact of the disease on the sporting community, she felt compelled to trade her rugby cleats for running shoes to make a difference.
Almond’s journey to the finish line, which she completed in an impressive two hours and twenty minutes, is particularly remarkable given her recent start in the sport.
Having only begun running last summer through the NHS ‘Couch to 5K’ program, the transition to a half marathon represented a monumental leap in distance and endurance. “I never even thought I’d be able to run 5 kilometres, let alone 21K,” Almond shared, reflecting on her rapid progression from novice jogger to long-distance fundraiser.
Her grit and determination have resonated throughout her community.
The children and staff at Chivenor Primary School are incredibly proud of Claire’s fantastic achievement.
By pushing her physical limits, she has not only raised essential funds for MND research but also provided an inspiring example of dedication for her students.
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom. If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Representaives from The Pioneer Group and Seddon at Burcote Road development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group
As a community-focussed organisation, Castle Vale will always be at the heart of everything we do. Our roots are here, and with the vast majority of our homes based on the Vale, our commitment to both our tenants and local residents remains as strong as ever.
You may have seen that we’re beginning work on two new housing developments nearby, in Erdington and Minworth.
While they sit just a five-minute drive from Castle Vale, they give us an opportunity to respond to the growing need for affordable homes in our wider neighbourhood. For us, it’s about building the right homes in the right places, while staying true to our purpose and values and continuing to invest in our local communities.
We know that Castle Vale is more than just where we provide housing, it’s a community.
That sense of community extends beyond our homes too. Castle Vale Stadium continues to be a place where people come together, whether through sport, events or shared activities, and it plays a vital role in bringing people of all ages together.
Alongside this, The Sanctuary offers a wide range of support, from Early Help and youth services to health and wellbeing programmes.
These services are there for our residents and the wider community alike, helping people access the support and guidance they need, when they need it most.
The Sanctuary on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
As we look ahead, our focus remains the same, supporting strong, connected communities and making a positive difference both on Castle Vale and the local area.
The Pioneer Group are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Click on the image below to read Witton Lodge Community Association’s COMMUNITY ANCHORS news, first published in the May to June ’26 Erdington Local newspaper.
Representatives from Seddon Housing Partnerships and The Pioneer Group at the Burcote Road development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by The Pioneer Group
The Pioneer Group has announced plans to develop two new housing sites at Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive, delivering 36 new social rent homes as part of its wider commitment to providing high‑quality, affordable housing across North Birmingham.
Work on both sites has begun, marking an important step in Pioneer’s ambition to build the right homes in the right locations.
The Pioneer Group is the modern day community led housing association, managing over 2500 homes across Castle Vale and other areas, that grew from the old Housing Action Trust (HAT) established in 1993 – as part of Government led a nationwide initiative to give more local power to underprivileged housing estates across the country.
Other Housing Action Trusts were established in London, Liverpool, and Hull.
The Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive developments form part of Pioneer’s wider strategy and development programme, which aim to deliver around 250 new homes over the next five years, supporting housing need while maintaining a strong focus on quality, affordability and place‑making.
At Burcote Road in Erdington, Pioneer will deliver 10 new homes for social rent with construction undertaken by partner Seddon. The scheme is being built on land purchased from Birmingham City Council and will be supported by funding from Homes England and Pioneer, with Seddon appointed as build partner.
Located within Erdington Ward, the development aligns closely with Pioneer’s Development Plans, which focuses on placing appropriate schemes in well‑connected locations where they can best meet local housing needs.
Tony Clark, Regional Director, Seddon Housing Partnerships, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with The Pioneer Group to deliver much-needed affordable homes at Burcote Road. This development reflects our shared commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable homes that will make a lasting positive impact for local communities.”
At Lindridge Drive in Minworth, Pioneer have put spades in the ground on a 26‑home social rent development, delivered in partnership with Morro Partnerships. The scheme will provide a mix of modern, high‑quality homes designed to support individuals, families and long‑term community sustainability.
Representatives from Morro Partnerships and The Pioneer Group at the Lindridge Drive development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Tom Broadway, Managing Director (West Midlands), Morro Partnerships said: “Delivering sustainable homes and helping communities thrive is our core focus at Morro. Choosing timber frame construction for our first project with our partners at Pioneer will not only speed up delivery, but also ensure the homes are more energy-efficient and cost-effective for future residents.
He added: “Building with the future in mind is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are excited to be working with Pioneer to deliver much needed homes in the area.”
The Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive schemes are supported by Homes England funding, alongside Pioneer’s own private financing to ensure schemes remain both deliverable and financially sustainable. This also includes just over £1.4 million in funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has enabled Pioneer to move from an affordable rent model to social rent, helping to keep rents as low as possible for new tenants.
The Pioneer Group CEO Simon Wilson / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group (Copyright Phil Greig)
As an anchor organisation based in Castle Vale, Pioneer remains focussed on staying local, responsive and connected to the communities it serves.
While both Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive sit outside the Castle Vale estate, the developments reflect Pioneer’s commitment to using its strong local foundations to deliver affordable homes where they are most needed.
These projects also reflect Pioneer’s wider priorities to deliver great homes, support resilient communities and sustain the legacy of regeneration for future generations.
Simon Wilson, Chief Executive at The Pioneer Group, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward these two new developments, which represent another positive step in our long‑term commitment to delivering high‑quality social rent homes.”
He added: “By investing in the right sites, working with trusted partners and securing strong financial foundations, we can continue to meet housing need and support communities now and, in the years, ahead.”
Chivenor Primary School main entrance / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
The Chivenor school community is celebrating a major milestone following official confirmation that the Department for Education (DfE) has approved funding for a brand-new, on-site nursery facility.
The announcement, which reached parents and staff via email this week, marks the culmination of months of dedicated “behind the scenes” advocacy and strategic planning. School leadership expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting that the successful bid represents a significant investment in the area’s early years provision.
This new addition will allow the school to support its “mini Griffins” from the very start of their educational journey.
“This achievement is the result of months of hard work,” shared Lisa Guest, Executive Head, who extended gratitude to the staff and partners involved in the complex application process.
While the funding is now secured, the work is far from over and the school is now entering a rigorous phase of preparation to ensure the environment is ready for its first cohort. The project will involve several months of detailed planning and infrastructure development to meet the specific needs of the youngest learners, with the nursery doors opening in September 2026.
Local families have welcomed the news, with many places already being snapped up.
As the school community looks toward the future, this initiative stands as a testament to Chivenor’s commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality local education for the next generation.
If you would like more information or to request an application pack, please contact the school office or email nursery@chivenor-gst.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Awards on display at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Words by Tracy Fisher
On 19 March, the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event was held at Lift Greenwood (formerly Greenwood Academy).
Also known as the Hearts of Castle Vale Awards, the event was the culmination of a campaign to recognise individuals who work tirelessly to support the local community – as organised by local landlords and estate stakeholder, The Pioneer Group (TPG).
After weeks of public nominations and voting, the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards winners were presented with their certificate, trophy, and badge in front of an audience of local residents, community groups, and invited guests – with Lift Greenwood Assistant Principal, Trevor Evans, and local resident Tai Colman hosting.
Lift Greenwood Assistant Principla Trevor Evans announcing winners at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
With all winners announced on the night, the audience was also made up of other hopefuls waiting to hear their name potentially called out.
The evening further presented a dance troupe performance from local youth group YoungStars, as well as a song by the winner of the 2025 Castle Vale’s Got Talent competition, Brooke Haynes.
The Pioneer Group launched the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on 26 January, with support from Nationwide Windows and Doors – who also support the Christmas celebrations on the estate.
TPG encouraged local residents to put forward names of individuals, groups, or organisations worthy of nomination for one of six categories available – reflecting their contribution to the local community.
Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Winners from each category were presented with their awards, followed by a video montage of why they deserved to win the accolade. For winners unable to attend the gala event a representative accepted the award on their behalf.
After her name was called out, Alice Rawlins, who won the Community Connector Award, told Castle Vale Local: “[I’m] stunned actually. I didn’t expect it at all. They were all sneaky, making videos and saying they were other things. So yeah, a big surprise”.
The Volunteer Award was awarded to Sonia Carr for her work in the Upcycle Café. She said: “It was a surprise for me, I didn’t think I would get one actually. But I’m really pleased and grateful to everybody who nominated for me.”
Skylar Orme-Joicey winning Young Ambassador Award / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
The youngest of the award winners was Skylar Orme-Joicey, who won the Young Ambassador Award. At just twelve years old, an inspiration for other young people in the Community, Skylar told Castle Vale Local: “It feels really good. I like helping the community, and winning awards”.
Laura Grigg, Community Hubs Manager from The Sanctuary Community Centre, who was a driving force behind the project, explained: “It’s been fabulous, been humbling to actually hear the stories, we’ve heard stories about things going on that we would never have known apart from this event.
“It truly shows, community is so strong on Castle Vale and just need to be rewarded for the hard work that they do”
Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
She added: “We’re hoping to make it bigger and better next year; we started with six nominations this year… so we’re hoping to go all out next year and truly recognise everything that’s good.”
The full list of categories and winers for the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards are: Unsung Hero Award – Wayne Haynes, Duty to the Community Award – Lee Crofts, Good Neighbour Award – John Shearer, Young Ambassador Award – Skylar Orme-Joicey, Volunteer Award – Sonia Carr, Community Connector Award – Alice Rawlins.
